Chapter Thirteen
The Forces of War Rev 13:1 – 14:5
In the Holy Trinity the First Person of the Godhead is God the Father. His imitation is seen in the great red dragon who is Satan from Rev 12:9. The Second Person of the Holy Trinity is the Lord Jesus Christ. His imitation is the first beast of Rev 13:1-10. The Third Person of the Holy Trinity is the Holy Spirit. His imitation in the unholy trinity is the second beast of Rev 13:11-18 who is also known as the “false prophet.”
Practical Studies in Revelation Vol II pg 196 – Theodore Epp.
This unholy, evil trinity is Satan’s last and greatest attempt to overcome God and deceive the peoples of the earth. At this turning point in human history Satan rose up two great “beasts’ to assist him. We have seen the first personality of this evil trinity in chapter twelve where Satan himself appears as the Great Red Dragon. Now in this chapter we see the two he calls to assist him; the Sea Beast and the Earth Beast.
The Forces of Evil Lead By Satan. Rev 13:1-18.
The Sea Beast. Rev 13:1-10.
This seems to be the beast which killed the Two Witnesses in Rev 11:7 and which is still more fully described in Chapter 17. The Dragon, that is the Devil, having failed to destroy the Church by persecution, now installs himself in this beast to continue his war against the saints Rev 12:13 – 13:1.
Halley’s Bible Handbook, pg 724 – Henry H. Halley.
1) Who is the Sea Beast?
a) Called by the Dragon.
We have already seen in Rev 12:3-4 that the dragon is Satan. It was the dragon that called this first beast (The Sea Beast) out of the sea to assist him when things began to turn in God’s favour.
The source of its power was the dragon. It was set up by the devil, and supported by him. Matthew Henry Concise Commentary – Online Bible.
“And I stood upon the sand of the sea,” The Vulgate Latin, Syrian, and Ethiopian versions read, "and he stood." The Alexandrian copy; meaning the dragon, said to be wroth with the woman, and to go forth to make war with her seed, in the latter part of the preceding chapter, where some versions place this clause; and the Arabic version reads expressly, "and the serpent stood",
John Gill’s Expositor – Online Bible.
b) Came from the sea.
Rev 17:1 & 15 “the waters you saw ….. are peoples and multitudes and nations and tongues.”
The restless sea of humanity, from where all nations rise.
See Isa 17:12, 57:20
“A beast;” the symbol of a great evil and persecuting power.
“Out of the sea”; out of the troubles, commotions, and revolutions of that period. Compare Dan 7:2.
Family New Testament Notes – Online Bible
Satan is seen standing on the shore looking out over the sea. In the scriptures, the sea represents something very specific. In Revelation the Apostle John is told, “The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues.” This reference is sufficient to show that the sea is used as a figure of speech to represent the Gentile nations of the world – the restless mass of people. They are often seen in trouble, confusion and disorder.
Practical Studies in Revelation Vol II pg 199 - 200 – Theodore Epp.
c) Was called a beast.
The idea here is a brutal, savage and ferocious beast. For more detail on this see Matthew Henrew comments at the end of this section.
d) Ten horns.
An Old Testament symbol of power.
Deut 33:17; 1 Sam 2:10; 1 Kings 22:11; Luke 1:69.
The meaning of 10 as used here stands for 10 kings who have been given this ‘complete power,’ to rule in their own kingdoms on behalf of the beast. The Emperor gave their power to them and they ruled only as long as they remained in the Emperor’s favour. See -17
We note that this is complete power and perfect authority only as it was in Rev 13:5, 7. Although this beast appears to be all-powerful we know that it was limited in the time it would rule and in what it could do to the Saints.
e) “Ten diadems” (crowns).
These crowns are not crowns of victory but rather they are symbolic of a king or ruler’s crown. This is a sign of the beast’s power over a nation or as in this case an empire.
f) “Names of blasphemy”
The beast’s power, which was given to him by Satan, was to blaspheme God and the Saints. That means he was given the authority to boldly proclaim that the true God was a false God, instead claiming to be God himself.
g) Seven heads.
Rev 13:1-10 The apostle, standing on the shore, saw a savage beast rise out of the sea; a tyrannical, idolatrous, persecuting power, springing up out of the troubles, which took, place. It was a frightful monster! It appears to mean that worldly, oppressing dominion, which for many ages, even from the times of the Babylonian captivity, had been hostile to the church. The first beast then began to oppress and persecute the righteous for righteousness' sake, but they suffered most under the fourth beast of Daniel, (the Roman empire ,) which has afflicted the saints with many cruel persecutions
Matthew Henry Concise Commentary – Online Bible.
These seven heads are the first seven Emperors of the Roman Empire . In the notes on chapter 17 there is a list of these Emperors when these seven heads will be explained in greater detail. (See Rev 17:9-10)
(See Appendix F – Emperors of Rome
There is an interesting comparison here when we compare this beast with the dragon from Rev 12:3. The dragon had seven crowns set upon seven heads and he claimed to be the proper lord and prince of the world, but this beast is said to have ten crowns, set on seven, not heads but horns. Because the beast is obligated to the dragon for all; (see Re 13:2) he does not otherwise reign, except through law of subjection given to him by Satan, namely that he employs his horns against the Church of God
“I saw one of his heads as if it had been slain and his fatal wound was healed”
Again I refer you to my notes on chapter 17. When the Empire was without an Emperor after Nero the fifth emperor, it was as if the imperial form of government had ceased; the one head wounded to death. The Empire continued but it was without a leader, a head. When this period of bloody civil war was over and Vespasian became the emperor the stable imperial government returned to Rome
“the whole earth was amazed and followed after the beast.”
Once again Roman’s power was firmly established over most of the known world. Once again the world was under the total power of one person the Emperor. The verse says the whole earth was amazed at this and followed after the beast but its unclear whether they did this out of wonder as some versions say or because they were forced to follow out of the power and authority of Rome
2) The Power of this Beast.
a) “they worshiped the dragon, because he gave his authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast.” Rev 13:4
In the 1st century, John’s time, all nations and people in the empire were expected to worship and pay homage to Rome
b) “he opened his mouth in blasphemies against God,”
Speaking great things and blasphemies; usurping the prerogatives of God, and subjecting men's consciences to his control. This beast exerts his power in connection with the second beast, Re -15, and the two together seeking to usurp God's place, and require men to pay to them divine honours.
Family New Testament Notes – Online Bible.
Notice This is a fourfold blasphemy where the beast’s blasphemy is against four things:-
a) Against God – He speaks directly against God Himself but of course God in heaven remains untouchable, unhurt by this blasphemy.
b) Against God’s name – He speaks against the name, the reputation of God among men. By pulling down the good and holy name of God the beast hopes to deceive mankind into placing their hopes and following other hopes instead of God.
c) Against God’s Tabernacle – There are two ways of looking at this. First it could be against God’s dwelling place in heaven or second more likely is that the blasphemy is directed against the kingdom of the saints – the church.
d) Against them that dwell in heaven – This time the blasphemy is directed against the saints who are already in heaven. By pulling down the reputation of these righteous people who have already died and gone to heaven the beast hopes to destroy the example they are to those still living on the earth.
c) “authority to act for forty-two months.”
A short time. Here is the fact that in spite of appearing all powerful and set to rule forever, Rome
d) “it was given to him to make war with the saints and overcome them.”
Because of their strict belief in only one God, the Christians came into conflict with the Roman authorities. Here we can see that Rome
e) “Authority over every tribe and people and tongue and nation was given to him.”
These are all the various peoples and nations that made up the Empire. For different parts of the Empire there were different administration arrangements, while some nations were under the direct control of the Emperor, others were given various levels of freedom to govern themselves.
f) “and all who dwell on the earth will worship him, everyone whose name is not written ….. in the book of life.” Rev 13:8
All those who were not followers of the true God worshiped this beast. We can identify whom these were by their names not being written in the Book of Life. They were sinful and therefore unsaved people.
3) Background to this Image.
By looking at the power of this beast we are able to see that this beast is Rome Rome Rome Rome
See Mystery of the Sea Beast – Chapter 17.
So we can see this beast as Rome Roman Empire as a powerful force. Later in the next few chapters we will see other images of Rome
Hope and Encouragement. Rev 13:9-10
These two verses do not fit in with either the preceding verses concerning the Sea Beast or the next few verses concerning the Earth Beast. Therefore we must consider them as an extra section like we did with the interludes earlier in our study.
V9 "If any man have an ear, let him hear."
Verse nine has a call for us to pay extra attention to what is about to be said in verse ten. There is also a very clear connection to the letters to the seven churches in chapters two and three.
Verse nine can also be considered to be a warning of what is to come in verse ten.
V10 "He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints." (New American Version)
V10 "If anyone is to go into captivity, into captivity they will go. If anyone is to be killed with the sword, with the sward they will be killed." (New International Version)
V10 "If anyone is to go into captivity, into captivity they will go. If anyone is to be killed with the sword, with the sward they will be killed." (New International Version)
See the end of verse 10 - "This calls for patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of God's people."
The warning is not to resist the beast. Many believers will be thrown into jail, many believers will be killed but there is no use in resisting. This is the day of the beast and God is letting him persecute the church.
There is hope in this verse when we realise that this verse again emphasizes that same message we find the entire way through the Book of Revelation; God is sovereign. Satan cannot move with out God’s permission. Everything is under God’s control.
The message is that how we live our lives will be how we receive our reward. If we lead a sinful life our reward will be death but for those who lead a life of patience and faith their reward will be life. It might be hard to understand how and why things happen the way they do. Why does God allow the church and His people to be persecuted? Why do Christians need to suffer at the hands of non-Christians? Those are not ours to answer, we are just called to have endurance and faith.
Rev 13:10 The conclusion of this speech of the first beast, consisting of two parts, an exhortation to attentive audience, in this verse: and a foretelling, which partly contains threatenings against the wicked and partly comfort for those who in patience and faith shall wait for that glorious coming of our Lord and Saviour Christ.
1599 Geneva
Let him hear; consider what is said, and receive the instruction which it is suited to impart; not go with the multitude after the beast, but continue, under all his persecutions, steadfast in the faith and practice of the gospel.
Family New testament Notes – Online Bible.
The Earth Beast. Rev 13:11-18.
The dragon – Satan now calls a second beast, but this time out of the land or the earth. As we consider the next few verses notice the difference between these two beasts. They are working together, both under the direction of Satan, but their appearance is particularly different.
1) Two horns like a lamb.
A lamb in the Bible often has a religious significance. In the New Testament a lamb is usually Christ. In Revelation a lamb is mentioned 27 times, and in every one of those times except here in chapter 13 it is Christ. The difference here is the small phrase “like a lamb” which means this beast had an appearance of a lamb but was not necessarily a lamb. You will notice that it becomes more and more obvious that this is not Christ as we read further through the chapter.
2) Voice of a dragon.
Who is the dragon? In chapter 12 we saw that the dragon was Satan. So here we have a lamb, which is someone appearing to have an almost righteous, Christ-like appearance who is called and directed by Satan. This means he speaks with the authority of the devil, and we will see in the next verse “authority of the first beast.”
The modern saying comes to mind here, ‘wolf in sheep’s clothing.’
3) “Exercises all the authority of the first beast.”
His authority is derived from the first beast, the Empire of Rome Rome
4) “makes the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast.”
The purpose of this second beast seems to be to force mankind to worship the first beast.
Note:- These points seem to identify the second beast or Earth Beast as the ‘commune’ or ‘concilia.’ This was an official body that had the charge of overseeing all state religion and under some Emperors also the task of enforcing to worshiping and paying homage to the image of the Emperor.
Notice in the passage below Matthew Henry appears to be talking about the religious body professing to know Christ. This is because he held the view that the Earth Beast was the Roman Catholic Church. There is a problem with this if you hold to the events of Revelation happening around the middle of the 1st century because there was no Roman government organisation with any acceptance of Christ at this time. Remember the very purpose of John’s writing is to warn the early Church that the Roman authorities were about to bring a period of persecution upon the Church.
Those who understand the first beast to denote a worldly power, take the second to be also a persecuting and assumed power, which acts under the disguise of religion, and of charity to the souls of men. It is a spiritual dominion, professing to be derived from Christ, and exercised at first in a gentle manner, but soon spake like the dragon. Its speech betrayed it; for it gives forth those false doctrines and cruel decrees, which show it to belong to the dragon, and not to the Lamb. It exercised all the power of the former beast. It pursues the same design, to draw men from worshipping the true God, and to subject the souls of men to the will and control of men. The second beast has carried on its designs, by methods whereby men should be deceived to worship the former beast, in the new shape, or likeness made for it. By lying wonders, pretended miracles. And by severe censures. Also by allowing none to enjoy natural or civil rights, who will not worship that beast which is the image of the pagan beast. It is made a qualification for buying and selling, as well as for places of profit and trust, that they oblige themselves to use all their interest, power, and endeavors, to forward the dominion of the beast, which is meant by receiving his mark.
Matthew Henry Concise Commentary – Online Bible.
5) He performs great signs.
“activity of Satan, with all power and signs and false wonders.”
2 Thess 2:9
These signs and wonders were not from God as we saw performed by Jesus but by the power of Satan.
6) “Make a image to the beast.”
A perfect description of Emperor Worship where an image of the Emperor was set up in most towns and cities, then the people were encouraged and in many cases forced to worship.
The part of this verse which causes confusion is the statement that the Earth Beast had power to give life to the image of the Sea Beast. What does this mean? Surely no one can give life to an idol or image of a man or beast.
The power mentioned here is the power that the statue had over the lives of common people. By stating that this image took on its own life is pointing to the fact that this image had the power of life or death over those who refused to worship it. Of course this authority was through the Emperor and the Roman authorities.
For Christians and Jews this would be a major stumbling block. In the case of the Jews they paid a tax for their freedom of worship but for the Christians, a smaller and less organised group, they had to face the persecution, penalties and even death that went with refusing to worship the Emperor.
7) His ‘Mark.’
This verse has a close connection to the sealing of the saints in Rev 7:4-8. Where the saints wear the seal of God we now see those of the world wearing the mark or the beast.
“a mark on their right hand or on their forehead.”
On their right hand is symbolic of power, industry and work.
On their forehead is symbolic of one chosen or set aside.
See also The Mark vs the Seal in Rev 14:1; Rev 14:9-12.
8) The Number 666.
Without the name or number of the beast on their foreheads they are unable to buy or sell or trade. This mark is the symbol of who the people follow and worship. Like the seal given to the saints in chapter 7 this mark is a symbolic rather than a real mark but the persecutions and restrictions placed on those without this mark were very real and very severe.
This number 666 has been misunderstood and misused more than any other part of God’s word the Bible. It is one of a small number of items which has been picked up out of Revelation by many to prove their false and misleading theories concerning the future of mankind in the 21 century.
We can establish that whereas ‘7’ is a perfect number according to the Jews the number ‘6’ was considered to be imperfect. How we get the number ‘666’ is impossible to say although the text hints that it could be something such as the sum of the letters in the beast’s name.
It was common practice among ancient languages such as Hebrew and Greek for numbers to be represented by letters of the alphabet. This would have led to the possibility for a name of a person being represented by a number or series of numbers. Beasley-Murray quotes an earlier writer Deissmann telling of a legend scribbled on a wall in Pompeii, “I love her whose was in name is 545.” How common and easily understood this practice was in the 1st century is hard for us to say.
Of one thing we can be sure. John did not intend to pose a riddle for his readers; the issue was far too serious for that. (In the 1st Century) they would have known the secret of the name. That suggests that the number did not originate with John, but that he adopted it from his predecessors in the apocalyptic tradition. This is why had become widely known. That points to the likelihood that the relationship between the number and the name arose among Jewish people who used the Jewish language (whether Hebrew or Aramaic)
Revelation – Beasley-Murray pg 219
In his comments below Matthew Henrew states that the meaning of this number probably has been lost to modern man and it seems he is right in this.
The number of the beast is given, so as to show the infinite wisdom of God, and to exercise the wisdom of men. The number is the number of a man, computed after the usual manner among men, and it is 666. What or who is intended by this remains a mystery. To almost every religious dispute this number has yet been applied, and it may reasonably be doubted whether the meaning has yet been discovered. But he, who has wisdom and understanding, will see that all the enemies of God are numbered and marked out for destruction; that the term of their power will soon expire, and that all nations shall submit to our King of righteousness and peace.
Matthew Henry Concise Commentary – Online Bible.
Here is wisdom. The puzzle that follows as in #17:9. See Eph for "a spirit of wisdom and of understanding." He that understands. "The one having intelligence" in such matters. Let him count. The number of a man. "A man's number." But what man and what name? Six hundred and sixty-six. Unfortunately some MSS. here read 616 instead of 666. All sorts of solutions are offered for this conundrum. Charles is satisfied with the Hebrew letters for Nero Caesar, which give 666, and with the Latin form of Nero (without the final n), which makes 616. Surely this is ingenious and it may be correct. But who can really tell?
Roberts Word Pictures – Online Bible.
This second beast also causes all to receive a mark on their right hands or on their forehead, without which they cannot buy or sell. John then adds a word of wisdom, in which he tells those with understanding to calculate the number of the beast, which is the number of a man: 666 (-18).
The significance of 666 should not be underestimated, as John encourages those with understanding to calculate the number. Unfortunately, through many ingenuous and fanciful ways people have come up with the number to represent just about anyone (e.g., Nero, the Pope, Hitler). Keeping the context of the Revelation and its time in view, the number 666 may refer to "Lateinos" (which in Greek can be calculated to 666); and in turn points to the ruler of the Latin or Roman empire (Schaff, History Of The Christian Church, Vol. 1, p. 177). Taken more symbolically, the number may simply signify evil raised to its highest power (Hailey, Summers) as was the case in emperors like
Nero and Domitian.
Mark Copeland - Revelation Notes - Pg56
While there are many possible suggestions as to what the number 666 means there does not appear to be any agreement among commentaries. Therefore it appears better to follow Mark Copeland and just consider that “Taken more symbolically, the number may simply signify evil raised to its highest power.”
Overview:- The Story so Far.
We are in the Struggle Between God and Satan.
In the first chapter of this section of the book of Revelation, chapter twelve, we saw Satan suffer a major defeat when he failed to prevent Christ carrying out God’s Plan of Redemption for mankind.
Satan’s second defeat came when he was defeated in a battle in heaven with Michael and an army of angels. The outcome of this second defeat was that Satan and his angels were driven out of heaven and thrown down to the earth.
Finding himself thrown down to the earth, Satan turns upon the church and its members. To help him in this campaign against the saints he calls upon two evil beasts that he rises up out of the world and out of the restless sea of humanity.
These are the two beasts of chapter thirteen, the Sea Beast and the Earth Beast. We saw the first of these, the Sea Beast, as the mighty and powerful Empire of Rome
Satan, the Dragon’s motive behind all this was to turn men away from worshiping God to worshiping a man or a man made organization. This was particularly directed against the saints of the church because they were unable to worship anyone other than God.
This attach is directed against four aspects of God.
a) Against God – He speaks directly against God Himself..
b) Against God’s name – He speaks against the name, the reputation of God among men.
c) Against God’s Tabernacle – The blasphemy is directed against the kingdom of the saints – the church.
d) Against them that dwell in heaven – This time the blasphemy is directed against the saints who are already in heaven. By pulling down the reputation of these righteous people who have already died and gone to heaven the beast hopes to destroy the example they are to those still living on the earth.
This fourfold attack is directed against the foundations of Christianity. Against the very basics of what the saints base their hope and belief. By discrediting these four important aspects of God, Satan hopes to destroy man’s faith in God and deceive them into following him.
Now we are going to move into chapter fourteen where we will see what forces God can muster against these two beasts.
Chapter Fourteen
Forces of Righteousness Lead By the Lamb. Rev 14:1-5
Just as there were two forces of evil in chapter 13, there are two forces of righteousness seen here. These are the Lamb (Christ) and the 144,000 (his church).
1) The Lamb and the 144,000.
a) “Standing on Mount Zion
II Sam 5:6-10 “the stronghold of Zion David
II Sam 6:12-13; I Kings 8:1.
Heb 12:22-23 “You have come Mount Zion
b) Symbolic of Jerusalem
Ps 2:5-6; Ps 15:1; Ps 48:1-2; Ps 132:12-14.
c) Use in prophecy.
Zech 8:1-3; Isa 2:2-4; Heb 12:22-23.
d) God is still on Zion
Ps 132:13-14; Ps 110:1-2; Heb 12:22-23.
These Old Testament scriptures clearly show Mount Zion as being Jerusalem but when we consider the New Testament scripture Heb 12:22-23 Zion appears to have a slightly different meaning. The emphasis now is not so much on the physical place or city, but rather on the spiritual place, the church of the first-born.
One other interesting point that came out of these Hebrew verses was that God is still on Mount Zion Zion
2) The Lamb.
Here is an example of how careful we must be when handling Revelation. In the following example the changing of a couple of simple words before the name lamb came change the character from a good one to an evil one.
Not “like a lamb” as in but “The Lamb.” This is The Lamb whom in Chapter 5 was found to be the only one in the whole of creation who was worthy enough to take the sealed book form God and open it.
We saw in chapter 5 that this is Jesus Christ.
3) The Voice of the Lamb
a) “Like many waters.”
The voice of the Son of Man.
b) “Sound like thunder.”
The voice of judgement. Rev 8:5, .
The voice of the four beasts. Rev 6:1
c) “Sound of harpists playing.”
Music from the 24 elders. Rev 5:8
d) Another possible idea of who the harpists and singers could be. When we consider the singers of Rev 5:9 it is likely that these are the same. This voice wasn’t just the Lamb; in fact it appears that this could have been the angelic hosts of heaven.
4) The 144,000.
These are the 144,000 who were sealed in Rev 7:4. They are the redeemed who are to go through the times of trouble and persecution that Revelation is foretelling. As in chapter seven we see the same number used again to represent the total number of the redeemed from the earth. Wearing the name of the Lamb on their foreheads show they are of the kingdom. The fact they are before the throne shows they have been redeemed.
a) They are pure.
They are pure, their purity has not been defiled.
They are spiritually pure.
Note that later in Rev 21:2 they are to become the pure bride of Christ.
b) They follow the Lamb.
Through whatever persecution that has been thrown at them they have remained faithful and followed the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Matt -22; Luke 9:57-62 John 13:2-36-38.
“these are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth”; as the sheep follow the shepherd of the flock, and which is a character of Christ's sheep, John 10:4,5,27. These follow Christ in the exercise of the graces of humility, patience, and love; and in the performance of the several duties of religion, and subjection to ordinances, and in the path of sufferings; and in every way in which Christ the Lamb has gone before them, or in his word and providence leads and directs them to, whether it be grateful to the flesh or not; particularly they follow where he is preached, and his Word and ordinances are faithfully administered; and they follow him to heaven, where he is: it was part of the oath taken by the Roman soldiers, "to follow the generals wherever they should lead" to which it is thought there is an allusion here; see 2 Sam 15:21;
John Gill’s Expository – Online Bible.
c) They are purchased and redeemed.
i) They have been purchased.
The 144,000 were purchased by God through the blood of Christ His son.
Acts “the church of God
ii) They are the first fruits.
This is an idea from the Old Testament where the people of Israel
Ex ; Num , ; Deut 26:2
In this case the meaning is the best of mankind, (the first fruits) belongs to God. The idea is that they, the church, are separated from being a part of the rest of the worldly people.
iii) They belong to God and the Lamb.
They belong to God, He has purchased them and they wear his seal a mark of ownership that they belong to Him.
See The seal of God Rev 7:4-8.
d) “no lie is found on their lips”
They are blameless before God.
e) “His name and the name of his Father written on their foreheads.”
This is in contrast with the worshippers of the beast who have his mark on their right hand or on their foreheads.
f) One phrase which is difficult to understand is in verse 4.
An Interlude:- The Three Announcements. Rev 14:6-11
This section is another of those sidetracks or interludes that appear from time to time in the book of Revelation. The purpose of this one is to again give readers hope and confidence, to reassure them after the dark picture painted by the visions of chapter 13.
Three things discussed.
1) Triumph of the Righteousness.
2) Judgement of Wicked Babylon
3) Emperor Worshippers are judged.
1) Triumph of the Righteousness. Rev 14:6-7
a) Another Angel.
b) Proclaiming.
“To all those who live on the earth” This message is for everyone, which shows both unity within the church and openness among races.
c) Message.
Fear God and give Him glory. Worship God and honour Him for the fact that He is God.
d) Why.
The hour of judgement has come.
e) Because.
He is the creator of the heaven and the earth.
In the speech of the Lamb, which is the word of the Gospel, is taught in this place these things: The service of the godly consisting inwardly of reverence towards God, and outwardly of the glorifying of him: the visible sign of which is adoration Rev 14:7. The overthrowing of wicked Babylon, Rev 14:8 and the fall of every one of the ungodly who worship the beast, Rev 14:9-11.
Finally the state of the holy servants of God both present, and to come, most blessed, according to the promise of God in .
1599 Geneva
2) Judgement of Wicked Babylon
a) “Fallen, fallen is Babylon
b) Why? Because of her wickedness.
“She made the nations to drink of her immorality.” Rev 17:2.
c) Who or what is Babylon
This is Rome
; Rev 17:5; .
The use of the word ‘Babylon Babylon Roman Empire that stretched from Britain Egypt Babylon Babylon Rome
“Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city”; which is to be understood not of the world in general, which will not now come to an end, for all nations of the world are distinguished from this Babylon in the next clause, and is only represented as a city, though a great one; nor of Babylon in Chaldea, which was fallen many hundreds of years before this vision; nor is there any likelihood of it being restored, nor any reason to believe that it will ever more be the seat of empire over all the nations and kings of the earth, as the Babylon mentioned in this book is, Rev 17:5,18 though undoubtedly the allusion is to that Babylon, and the very words are used which express the fall of it, and are taken from it; see Isa 21:9 but this is to be understood of Rome, which all along in this book is called the great city; see Rev 11:8 16:19 17:18.
John Gill’s Expository – Online Bible.
3) Emperor Worshippers are Judged. Rev 14:7-11.
a) Anyone who:-
i) Worship the beast.
ii) Worships his image.
iii) Has his mark on their forehead.
iv) The lamb (Christ) will condemn them.
“In the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb”; the latter will be their Judge, and will condemn them to everlasting burnings, and pronounce the sentence on them; and the former will be the executioners of it; they will gather them out, and sever them from the righteous, and cast them into the furnace of fire, and will be spectators of their punishment, and rejoice at it; and the sight of their power and glory will increase the torment of the sufferers.
John Gill’s Expository – Online Bible.
b) Will drink the wrath of God.
“The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God,” Which is a just punishment for their sin; that as such have drank of the wine of the wrath of Rome's fornication, Re 14:8 so they shall now drink of the wine of God's wrath; it is usual in Scripture to express the punishment God inflicts upon wicked men by his wrath, and by the wine cup of his fury; and their suffering such punishment, by their drinking of it; see Jer 25:15 Job 21:20 , "the wine of wrath", is a phrase used by the Jews.
John Gill’s Expository – Online Bible.
i) “will be tormented with fire and brimstone.”
Symbols of destruction.
ii) The torment goes on “forever and ever.”
iii) “Have no day or night.”
“and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone”: in allusion to the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, which are now a burning and a sulphurous lake, called Asphaltites, and is an example, pattern, and similitude of the vengeance of eternal fire, Jude 7 and hence the beast and false prophet are said to be cast into such a lake, Rev 19:20 and here their followers will be punished; which is expressive of the horrible torments of hell, and the dreadful punishment of the antichristian party there; see Ps 11:6 and what will aggravate their misery is, that it will be.
John Gill’s Expository – Online Bible.
Overview:- The Story So Far.
We are still in the ‘Struggle Between God and Satan.’ This section of the book of Revelation opened in chapter twelve with Christ defeating Satan on earth and Michael and his army casting Satan out of heaven. Finding himself unable to touch God, Satan turns upon the church with great rage.
In Chapter Thirteen Satan raises two terrible beasts to help him in his campaign against the church. We saw that the Sea-beast was the Empire of Rome and the Earth-beast was the authority set up to force emperor worship upon everyone in the Empire.
Forces of Righteousness Lead by the Lamb.
Now in chapter fourteen we see the forces that God raises to meet this threat. First there is The Lamb (Christ) and secondly there are the 144,000, the Church. They are seen to be standing on Mount Zion, which is they are seen to be in fellowship with God.
An Interlude:- The Three Announcements.
We then go into another of those ‘sidetracks’ or ‘interludes’ common to the Book of Revelation. In this interlude there are three things discussed:-
1) Triumph of the Righteous.
2) Judgement of Wicked Babylon.
3) Emperor Worshippers are Judged.
These three visions are predictions of what is going to happen in the next few chapters. They are discussed here to give hope and encouragement to the saints.
In the remainder of chapter fourteen we will be seeing the Sickles of Judgement. These are two visions predicting the final fates of both the righteous and the wicked. We then will move on into God’s final judgement in the ‘Seven Bowls of Wrath.’
God’s Judgement. Rev 14:13-20
The Sickles of Judgement. - Two views of Judgement.
1) Perseverance of the Saints. .
a. Because of their perseverance.
i. They kept the commandments of God.
ii. They kept their faith in Jesus.
Here are the two greatest things that Christians must do. First a Christian must put their faith and trust in Christ.
John 3:12-15 “…whoever believes may in Him have eternal life.”
Secondly they must obey Christ, obey the commandments of God.
Matt 28:20 “Teach them to observe all that I commanded.”
Heb 5:8-9 “He became to all who obey the source of salvation.”
John 14:15, 21 “If you love me you will keep my commandments.”
b. Christians will triumph.
i. A voice from Heaven.
Blessed are the dead who die for the lord. This is the 2nd of the seven blessings of Revelation. See note on Rev 1:3.
ii. The Spirit.
They rest from their labours and their works follow after them into Heaven.
Notice the last part of this verse says, “their labours and works will follow them.” This is another insight into the relationship between faith and works. Their works will not go before them to prepare a place for them in heaven, neither will their works go with them as pleas for their admission into the glory of heaven but rather their works will follow them.
This verse goes along with the verse in Romans that says, “a man is justified by faith apart from works….” Rom 3:27-28. See also Eph 2:8-10.
There is some debate over as to its final meaning. This variance of understanding is due to a variance among Bible versions. Most versions read, “which die for the Lord,” the Arabic version reads, “which die for the faith of the Lord,” while the Ethiopian versions read, “which die for God.” While at first this seems a minor variation of no importance until we consider the greater meaning of the surrounding passage.
The main difference is with the Ethiopian version reading “die for God.” This has the effect of taking Christ out of the picture. Where the other versions use the name “Lord” we can apply the meaning that these are martyrs of Christ who suffered death for the sake of His gospel. With the Ethiopian version this opens up the meaning to anyone who dies for God. While it could be said that indirectly we can apply this to Christ the fact is that this version opens up the field to include any martyr who died for God when the context points to these blessed ones being those who lost their lives during the Roman 1st century persecutions.
I believe that to stay in context with the rest of this chapter the correct version translation should use the name “Lord” so the verse is connected directly to Christ that will then make these blessed ones martyrs of Christ.
The rest of chapter 14 is a double vision representing God’s actions towards his people the righteous and towards the persecutors of His people. In the former case they receive fellowship with Him in heaven and in the later God’s vengeance is released upon them.
2) God’s Judgement as viewed by the Righteous. Rev 14:14-16.
a. “one like a son of man.”
i) Perhaps this is Christ “Son of man”
ii) More likely this is an angel who has taken on a Christ-like appearance because of the task he is performing.
See Rev 5:2-3; Rev 10:1-7; .
b. His crown.
A crown – this is a victory crown. (See Rev 6:2).
c. “a sharp sickle.
sickle [sík’l] noun (plural sickles)
1. tool for cutting grass: a short-handled implement with a curved blade used for cutting tall grass or grain.
Also called hook
Also called hook
2. blades of farm implement: the cutting mechanism of a combine, reaper, or mower
Encarta – World English Dictionary 2001.
d. “the hour to reap has come.”
e. Swung the sickle.
This reaping presents a picture of the reaping or harvesting of a crop such as maize or wheat. Before the invention of harvesting machines such crops would be cut by hand using sickles. The image here is one of reaping ripe wheat and gathering it into a barn or safe place.
See Matt ; Matt -30; Mark 4:26-29.
The scriptures above also use this reaping theme to explain the Kingdom. Christians are like a field ready to be harvested. When they have matured and become strong in faith they are gathered by God and taken into heaven. Here in Revelation this same idea is used to describe what is to happen to God’s people.
3) God’s Judgement as viewed by the Wicked. Rev 14:17-20.
a. Another angel. See note on ().
b. Also carried a sharp sickle.
c. Told to harvest the grapes.
Who are the grapes?
They are outside of the city, outside of Jerusalem Zion
They are those against Christ – sinners and persecutors of the saints.
d. The Amount of blood.
iii) “Up to the bridles of the horses.”
A depth of about 4 to 5 feet.
iv) “16000 stadia.”
A stadia was about six hundred feet.
This is about 200 miles or 320Km.
v) This image pictured here is one of an immense stream of blood that shows us the great number of the wicked.
vi) The idea of the wicked being crushed like grapes in a wine press comes from a image in Isa 63:1-6.
Warnings and judgments not having produced reformation, the sins of the nations are filled up, and they become ripe for judgments, represented by a harvest, an emblem which is used to signify the gathering of the righteous, when ripe for heaven, by the mercy of God. The harvest time is when the corn is ripe; when the believers are ripe for heaven, then the wheat of the earth shall be gathered into Christ's garner. And by a vintage. The enemies of Christ and his church are not destroyed, till by their sin they are ripe for ruin, and then he will spare them no longer. The wine-press is the wrath of God, some terrible calamity, probably the sword, shedding the blood of the wicked. The patience of God towards sinners, is the greatest miracle in the world; but, though lasting, it will not be everlasting; and ripeness in sin is a sure proof of judgment at hand.
Matthew Henry Concise Commentary – Online Bible.
Overview:- The Story So Far.
Here we are still in the Struggle Between God and Satan.
In the first chapter of this section of the book of Revelation, chapter twelve, we saw Satan suffer a major defeat when he failed to prevent Christ carrying out God’s Plan of Redemption for mankind.
Finding himself thrown down to the earth, Satan turns upon the church and its members. To help him in this campaign against the saints he calls upon two evil beasts which he rises up out of the world, the restless sea of humanity. These are the two beasts of chapter thirteen, the Sea Beast and the Earth Beast.
In the last chapter we saw the forces of Satan, now we see the forces of righteousness lead by Christ. They are shown to be on Mount Zion and both the Lamb (Christ) and the 144,000 (the saints) are clearly identified.
At this point before God’s final judgement takes place we have a small interlude:- The Three Announcements. The three things discussed here are the triumph of the righteousness, judgement on the wicked and judgement on Babylon and emperor worshippers.
The chapter finished with two visions called the Sickles of Judgement in which the final state of both the righteous and the wicked were predicted.
Now we come to the Seven Bowls of Wrath.
Under the seven seals we saw the opening of the book of Judgement. This was a warning to the wicked of the world that God’s Judgement was coming. Later in the book, but still under the general heading of the seventh seal we came to the seven trumpets. These trumpets were plagues but they only affected a third of mankind. We can consider these to be a second stronger warning or more likely an announcement that God’s Judgement has arrived.
Finally we come to God’s Judgement itself, the seven bowls of wrath. Notice that these plagues are total in that they affect all men. The only ones who escape these plagues are Christians who have been sealed by God. All others, the non-Christians who wear the mark of the beast and who worship his image will have to face this judgement and wrath of God.
The seven bowls of wrath are intended as God’s judgement against those who wear the mark of the beast, worship his image and are clearly against God. This is made clearer when we consider the number of times their anti-God attitudes are mentioned in chapter 16.
Rev 16:2 “the men who wear the mark of the beast and who worship his image.”
Rev 16:6 “The angel saying ‘…They deserve it.’”
Rev 16:9 “they blasphemed the name of God…and they did not repent.”
“they blasphemed the God of heaven…and they did not repent of their
deeds.”
“and men blasphemed God.”
The seven bowls of wrath cover chapters 15 & 16 and can be divided up into further smaller sections:-
First there will be a short interlude where glory is given to God Rev 15:2-4
Next the seven bowls are introduced. Rev 15:5-16:1
Finally in chapter 16 we will get to the seven bowls themselves.
